Job Description (JD)

Position Title: PRODUCT SPECIALIST & SENIOR QUALITY INSPECTOR

Department: Global Product Development – Merchandising

Assigned Location: U-Jump Factory (Subang, Indonesia)

Reports To: Associate Merchandising Manager (or their assigned direct supervisor)

Direct Reports: None

Prepared By: Associate Merchandising Manager and Director of Global HR & Admin

Reviewed By: Vice President of Product & Business Development

Approved By:  Company President

Job Overview

The Product Specialist & Senior Quality Inspector supports the Merchandising Team by collaborating with Product & Business Development and Technical Design to ensure accurate prototype sample execution, technical alignment, and product quality. The role works closely with factory technicians throughout development and production to track risks, review samples, participate in QA activities, and support quality analytics through Pivot88.

The Product Specialist & Senior Quality Inspector main tasks are in product development/merchandising, with a support function in Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC).

Job Description & Responsibilities

1. Customer, Brand & Internal Partner Collaboration:

1.1 Build strong rapport with customers while consistently providing quality service.

1.2 Understand brand requirements and seasonal direction to support effective sample evaluation.

1.3 Partner with Merchandising (MD), Product & Business Development (PBD), Technical Design (TD), and factories to meet design and product execution requirements.

1.4 Act as the communication link between factories, Brand teams, and internal departments.

1.5 Provide technical guidance as needed throughout the development process.

2. Tech Pack, Sample Review & Development Coordination:

2.1 Review/check samples on the same day they are received; validate sample label or tag information

2.2 Create and upload sample check reports to Factory SharePoint and NG within the same day.

2.3 Review calendars and line lists to support sample and tech pack status monitoring.

2.4 Study Tech Packs, Sample Instructions, artwork, Construction Callouts, and reference samples to identify discrepancies and ensure correct execution.

2.5 Participate in tech pack handover to factories.

2.6 Provide improvement suggestions to factories, ensuring alignment with MD/PBD and TD.

2.7 Lead virtual sample reviews with MD, PBD, and TD.

2.8 Communicate directly with factory technicians to clarify technical requirements and resolve issues.

3. Development Tracking, Costing Support & Risk Identification:

3.1 Manage timely factory sample delivery and costing submissions by troubleshooting delays and updating the Development Tracker.

3.2 Support costing by identifying discrepancies and analyzing cost drivers related to fabrics, trims, and actual production.

3.3 Provide technical input on materials and processes during costing discussions.

3.4 Recommend cost-saving opportunities without compromising production or quality.

3.5 Identify development risks and participate in SMS comment reviews with QC, factories, and customers.

3.6 Support in creating patterns for cut-and-sew products and ensuring factory alignment.

3.7 Work across different PLM systems and ensure accuracy of uploaded information.

4. Materials, Processes & Compliance Expertise:

4.1 Apply expertise in embellishment and manufacturing techniques (e.g., embossing, silicone printing, stud embellishment).

4.2 Maintain detailed technical documentation with version control throughout development stages.

4.3 Ensure compliance with brand/buyer standards, safety regulations, and applicable testing requirements.

4.4 Monitor product performance and recommend improvements based on quality feedback or market returns.

5. Quality Assurance & Factory Support:

5.1 Monitor and alert factories of potential quality issues that may impact product integrity.

5.2 Coordinate with internal teams on delays linked to factory quality improvements.

5.3 Review PP samples and bulk production for compliance with buyer quality standards.

5.4 Conduct PP meetings to address upcoming production issues.

5.5 Perform in-line inspections on all orders to ensure conformance with specifications.

5.6 Review product specifications against company’s quality and performance criteria.

5.7 Provide technical support to factories on product quality and safety.

5.8 Review and approve color lab dips prior to customer submission.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

6.1 Coordinate with internal teams (Merchandising, Lab Testing, Costing, etc.) to communicate brand-specific strategies to prevent or resolve issues.

6.2 Efficiently liaise between internal teams, factories, and brand customers.

6.3 Serve as a communication channel for all production and quality updates on assigned samples.

7. Reporting & Documentation

7.1 Communicate quality findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

7.2 Conduct & document Final & Pre-Final inspections using appropriate sampling plans.

7.3 Deliver monthly quality analytics in Pivot88 for assigned accounts.

7.4 Provide timely updates to the Associate Merchandising Manager (or their assigned direct supervisor) on product status, brand or factory concerns, and potential risk factors.

7.5 Ensure proper documentation of all brand communication and make it available to the Associate Merchandising Manager (or their assigned direct supervisor) as necessary.

8. Business Transformation & Continuous Improvement

8.1 Support company initiatives in Process Analysis & Continuous Improvement for assigned teams.

8.2 Conduct periodic reviews of current processes to find ways to reduce lead-time, decrease or eliminate mistakes, and introduce more efficient workflows related to job responsibilities.

8.3 Develop and implement process improvement initiatives for Product Sampling & Development, and QA/QC functions.

8.4 Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and generate reports to support datadriven decision-making.

9. Professional Development:

9.1 Identify and act in developing the required knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) necessary in the performance of this job as well as to further career development.

9.2 Regularly seek feedback from immediate supervisor and colleagues to improve performance and skills.

9.3 Manage your own time to accommodate self-development activities.

10. Additional Duties:

10.1 Comply with the requirements and tasks for all employees in relation to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Security (Physical, Data & Cybersecurity), and Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) Policies.

10.2 Participate in employee engagement activities & talent development initiatives.

10.3 Perform other related tasks and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Technology, Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or similar field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, merchandising, technical design, or production support within fashion, apparel, accessories, or consumer goods.

Knowledge, Skills & Key Competencies:

• Technical & Product/Sample Development Expertise:

1. Strong knowledge of sample development processes, garment construction, knitting, pattern making, fabrics, and embellishment techniques.
2. Proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, Adobe Illustrator, MS Excel, and technical spec creation.
3. Skilled in material consumption analysis, costing evaluation, and understanding production processes.
4. Familiarity with fashion trends, seasonal cycles, quality standards, and industry regulations.
5. High attention to detail with strong accuracy in documentation and technical review.

• Business Acumen, Critical Thinking & Analytical Capability:

1. Ability to translate brand strategies and seasonal direction into actionable product development plans.
2. Understanding of costing, pricing structures, and profitability drivers.
3. Capable of data-driven analysis such as SKU efficiency, performance metrics, and cost drivers.
4. Strong analytical mindset for evaluating data, identifying risks, and supporting decision-making.

• Communication, Collaboration & Customer Service Skills:

1. Professional customer service & engagement skills.
2. Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
3. Able to clearly articulate technical concepts, findings, & recommendations to cross-functional partners.
4. Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Adaptability, Learning, Innovation & Creativity:

1. Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and seasonal demands.
2. Quickly adapts to last-minute changes, challenges, and evolving customer requirements.
3. Proactive in learning new technologies, systems, and tools.
4. Generates innovative solutions and brings fresh thinking to product development and QA/QC processes.
5. Strong organizational and time-management skills for managing multiple timelines and projects.
6. Ability to mentor and develop team members in the assigned role and specialization, promoting and supporting a culture of learning, continuous improvement and excellence.
7. Quick learner with curiosity, initiative, and a growth mindset.

Note: This job description may be updated, revised, or revoked by the company as it finds it necessary to remain agile and nimble to the ever-changing requirements of the business and the industry.

Employee Agreement: I hereby certify that I have read and understood the contents of this job description (JD) and confirm that I am capable and willing to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for this role. Further, I understand that during my tenure in this role, the company reserves the right to alter or modify the contents of this JD, entirely or partially, to address business needs and industry requirements.

Employee Name : ________________________________

Employee Signature : ________________________________

Date/Time : ________________________________